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Contraception

By Dawn Stacey M.Ed, LMHC, About.com

Updated: January 24, 2008

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by Meredith Shur, MD

"Contraception"

Photo courtesy of Microsoft Office Online
Definition: The intentional prevention of conception through the use of various devices, sexual practices, chemicals, drugs, or surgical procedures. This means that something (or some behavior) becomes a contraceptive if its purpose is to prevent a woman from becoming pregnant. There are several types of contraceptives that have been officially labeled as such because they have shown reliability in preventing conception from occurring.
Pronunciation: con·tra·cep·tion (kŏn'trə-sĕp'shən)
Also Known As: Birth control, family planning, contraceptives
Examples: Couples use contraception to avoid unintended pregnancy.

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